Starboard Rock

Starboard Rock Knit Sweater by VERSACIKNITS

What Is Being Made

Starboard Rock is a downloadable knitting pattern for a classic pullover sweater designed by independent designer VERSACIKNITS. This garment is suitable for beginners and offers eight size options ranging from extra-small through 3X, making it accessible for a wide range of body types. The finished sweater features positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit with chest measurements ranging from 42½ inches (108cm) in the smallest size to 66½ inches (169cm) in the largest size.

Garment Construction and Techniques

The Starboard Rock sweater employs a practical construction method that builds the garment from the bottom up. The front and back panels are worked separately as flat pieces, beginning at the hem and progressing upward to the shoulders. Once the front and back sections are complete, the shoulders are joined together using a seaming or grafting technique. The sleeves are then picked up from the armhole openings and worked in the round, a common technique that eliminates the need for side seams on the sleeve caps and creates a smooth, professional finish.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout Starboard Rock is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates the classic smooth, V-textured fabric commonly seen in everyday sweaters. Stockinette stitch is formed by alternating knit rows and purl rows when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round. This fundamental stitch is ideal for beginners as it is straightforward to execute while producing a polished, professional appearance. The pattern also incorporates stitch markers in two colors to help track pattern repeats and construction points, and uses double-pointed needles (DPNs) for working the sleeves in the round.

Yarn and Needles

Starboard Rock is designed for sport weight yarn, a lightweight category that creates a drapey, versatile fabric suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece. The pattern calls for 100% superwash merino yarn, which offers natural breathability, softness, and easy care properties. Yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size (XS) requires approximately 1500 yards (1375 meters) across 5 skeins, while the largest size (3X) requires approximately 2550 yards (2325 meters) across 8 skeins. Each skein contains 330 yards (302 meters) of yarn per 100 grams.

The pattern specifies two needle sizes to achieve the desired fabric characteristics. Size 4 US needles (3.5mm) are used as the primary needles for working the main fabric and are available in 32-inch (80cm) and 16-inch (40cm) circular configurations, as well as double-pointed needles. Size 3 US needles (3.25mm), one size smaller, are used for ribbing or other sections requiring a tighter gauge. The pattern recommends checking gauge carefully before beginning: the target gauge is 26 stitches and 38 rows per 4 inches (10cm) when working stockinette stitch on the larger needles and measuring the fabric after blocking.

Finished Measurements

The sweater lengths range from 25¾ inches (65.5cm) in the extra-small size to 29¾ inches (75.5cm) in the 3X size, providing proportional coverage across all size ranges. Chest measurements with positive ease—meaning the sweater is intentionally larger than body measurements for comfort—span from 42½ inches (108cm) to 66½ inches (169cm).